The **New** Swan and Dolphin Resort thread ~ September 2010 ~ Please read post #1

[ohiotinkfan]

I am paying 220 per night AAA 15% off rate (except for Thurs.). I had already been on line and looked around, I needed to book 22-25 (check out day) seperate than the 21 because of the rate difference. Play around with the dates and see if you might need to do 2 seperate ressies.
I need to call and ask about the AP rate though...didn't know they did that at S/D. I plan on calling today and asking about that rate. When I asked about the teacher rate it was the same as you mentioned for nurses.

 

[SingingMom]

I don't know...when comparing the price of 2 adults and a child on Mears, it comes out to $95 R/T. (I'm not sure of the etiquette of tipping when it comes to shuttle van drivers.)

For $9 more (plus tip), you can have a town car service drive you directly to the S/D, without having to make stops at additional hotels. Plus, the driver will meet you at baggage claim and help you with your luggage. And then there's also the free grocery stop, if you so desire.

Given all that, I think the town car route is the way to go. And it is your vacation, after all...you can splurge on the town car and still know that you're saving hundreds of $$!

Oh, go with the town car!!! It's such a fun way to start your vacation - without all those additional stops. You arrive "in style"! (And when you leave, you can sniffle in peace... LOL)

Quick question to all of you Swolphin experts - we're leaving a week from today banana for our first Dolphin visit and I was wondering how crowded the pools will be? Are they as bad as other Disney resorts at spring break or a little better? Will we need to get to the pool early if we want a table or lounge chairs? We typically only visit during the off-ish season and have never stayed at the Dolphin so I am not sure what to expect.

Thanks for any advice!!

We always go in June and haven't had crowded pools - once in a while it might be hard to find three lounges next to each other in the shade/umbrella, but there is always room...

We have always waited until we reached the front desk to ask about any available upgrades. Not sure about others, but they have been able to accomodate us a number of times. Always worth asking.
Have a wonderful first trip.

Same here - any hotel we stay at, we always wait until check in, smile sweetly, and ask..

We will be arriving late on Thursday and I see that the food court is open 24 hours. What does the food court serve after 11:30 pm?
Also, I have read that the Dolphin has a sundries store. Do they have similar items like the BWI or YC/BC (water, chips, 2 liter soda, and so on)?

You'll find the water/chips/soda type things at Picabus, near the cash registers. The food selections vary, but there is always something to eat!

 

[gemmybear83]

Hi guys , just wanted to give a quick review of the dolphin we had four standard view rooms booked 4-11th December as part of our wedding. We had a fantastic time, the staff were so friendly. We had great meals at Picabu, the fountain and room service. We also used the mandara spa which was fantastic.

All of our guests were upgraded to boardwalk view rooms

and were upgraded to a suite (photos below, it was so big I could not get it one photo ). the whole of floor had been renovated you could still smell the new paint.

Hoping for a couple of nights at the swan and dolphin next year

 

[mikegood2]

Thanks for all your responses!


Now I just need to choose which resort. Don't think I can go wrong with either and I will probably go for the best deal.
I have read thru the threand and am wondering if anyone has a preference executive suite at Swan or dolphin?

There haven't been many people on this forum that have stayed in the executive suite that I'm aware of. If you go back to page 71, TaraPA posted photos of an Swan Executive Suite, from her recent trip. We will be staying in an Dolphin Executive Suite in June and plan on posting photos when I return.

If you look at the S/D site they have descriptions and a layout of the suites, but no photos. I have a feeling that there may be different configurations to the Executive Suites, so they don't post photos. TaraPA's suite at the Swan had a Murphy bed in it, but based on the descriptions, the Dolphin is only suppose to have them.

 

[mma800]

Thanks Mike! Love the pics Tara!
If I didn't have to spend the whole day at chuck e cheese bday party and kids swimming lessons, I would have booked by now!!
The cancellation policy is what I worried about. I think I will try to book thru swan for 1 executive suite plus 1 single room for bil and see what discounts we can get. I am nervous about connecting rooms (as in not getting them!) and would be happier if my kids were all enclosed in my nest--I just want that nest to have a great view and balcony!!
Still have to call to cancel the 2br Nantucket suite at BC. Someday...
Love this board! Everyone is so nice and helpful!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Again, congratulations, G bear, and best wishes.

Really nice pictures, thanks for posting.

Marlene, generally the cancellation is 24 hours, possibly 48. Only time it would be different if it was a non cancelable rate, then you would be stuck. Even then, if you had to cancel, it would be worth a call. They might very likely let you cancel, with a one day charge. Those are just my thoughts on the second part.

 

[NancyIL]

Marlene, generally the cancellation is 24 hours, possibly 48. Only time it would be different if it was a non cancelable rate, then you would be stuck. Even then, if you had to cancel, it would be worth a call. They might very likely let you cancel, with a one day charge. Those are just my thoughts on the second part.

The Swan/Dolphin used to have a 5-day cancellation period - same as WDW resorts. Has that changed?

**I just checked the web site, and there is still a 5-day cancellation policy.

 

[RachelTori]

The Swan/Dolphin used to have a 5-day cancellation period - same as WDW resorts. Has that changed?

I think it's still a 5 day. I called earlier in the week and made a reservation at the Dolphin for the weekend of 10/7-9 and I was told there was a 5-day cancellation (even though I didn't ask!)

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yikes!! My error. Well, I only had to cancel once, and that was about a month ahead. I was just basing it on what other Sheraton/Westins I have stayed at, where I do read the cancellation policy more closely. I guess I don't think I would cancel a WDW trip, LOL.

 

[mikegood2]

Thanks Mike! Love the pics Tara!
The cancellation policy is what I worried about. I think I will try to book thru swan for 1 executive suite plus 1 single room for bil and see what discounts we can get. I am nervous about connecting rooms (as in not getting them!) and would be happier if my kids were all enclosed in my nest--I just want that nest to have a great view and balcony!!

As far as cancelation policy I think it's 5 day? I also understand about being nervous about connecting rooms. When Disney couldn't guarantee adjoining rooms for Moderate resorts, they made the decision, for a Dolphin Executive Suite, for us.

Our party's my brother, sil, 4 1/2 and 1 1/2 girls, and me the bil . I'll be sleeping on the Murphy bed, and they will be in the room with double beds. I think the suite will work much better then 2 adjoining standard rooms. And even better we save over $75 a night (compared to a moderate resort).

 

[mikegood2]

I have a question about the S/D on-site Disney ticket desk. Are there any difference between getting the tickets in the S/D lobby, getting them at the park, or ordering them on-line? We are probably looking at getting 8 day tickets with park hopping. Are their any problems doing that, any hidden fees, or a limit to how many they sell based on how full the parks are (we will be their mid June)?

Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, I have never had to deal with purchasing to the parks before and want to cover all the bases. My brother is planning to order our tickets soon, but I'm not sure of the advantage of ordering online as opposed to waiting until we arrive at WDW.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Online, Undercover Tourist, will be a few dollars less, not a lot though. It will be a bit less. S/D desk, or any location at WDW, will be same, list price.

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

Sorry to have brought up cancellation policy and begin all the confusion. Yes, regular ressies have a 5 day fully refundable policy. However, the deals like 5 days get the 6th free, last weeks "Lucky" deals, and other promotional deals are forfeiture of one night fee.
So for the PP who had asked about the best deals and was not sure if brother would end up being able to go, I caution you against booking with the special rates even though they may be the best deal

 

[RachelTori]

Sorry to have brought up cancellation policy and begin all the confusion. Yes, regular ressies have a 5 day fully refundable policy. However, the deals like 5 days get the 6th free, last weeks "Lucky" deals, and other promotional deals are forfeiture of one night fee.
So for the PP who had asked about the best deals and was not sure if brother would end up being able to go, I caution you against booking with the special rates even though they may be the best deal

It's good to bring up these topics every now and then!

Their special promotional deals are very good at stating the cancellation policy. It's those regular room rates (discounted or not) that tend to have the cancellation terms in teeny tiny print!

 

[roydavid7771]

OK, so after much thought, now my fiancee and I are thinking about a split stay b/w the Swan and another deluxe resort, not quite sure which yet. My question is, can you have your bags transferred from the S/D to on eo fthe Disney resorts, or do we have to pack and bring them ourselves? Thanks everyone!

 

[ohiotinkfan]

Singing Mom...Thanks for the info about Picabus! It will be fun to try a new resort...we can't wait!

 

[SingingMom]

I have a question about the S/D on-site Disney ticket desk. Are there any difference between getting the tickets in the S/D lobby, getting them at the park, or ordering them on-line? We are probably looking at getting 8 day tickets with park hopping. Are their any problems doing that, any hidden fees, or a limit to how many they sell based on how full the parks are (we will be their mid June)?

Sorry if this seems like a dumb question, I have never had to deal with purchasing to the parks before and want to cover all the bases. My brother is planning to order our tickets soon, but I'm not sure of the advantage of ordering online as opposed to waiting until we arrive at WDW.

I like to use www.officialticketcenter.com
I've gotten 8 days for the price of 7 - things like that - lots of good deals and different options. And, so far, every time I order from them, they have been the plastic credit card type tickets. At the onsite desk at the Dolphin, they were the heavy paper type.

 

[teacher31]

Does Picabu still offer a AAA discount? Do you remember the amount?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Yes, 20%.

 

[jnfr2424]

OK, so after much thought, now my fiancee and I are thinking about a split stay b/w the Swan and another deluxe resort, not quite sure which yet. My question is, can you have your bags transferred from the S/D to on eo fthe Disney resorts, or do we have to pack and bring them ourselves? Thanks everyone!

Hello. Fellow North Jersey! We've had our luggage transferred from a Disney resort to the Dolphin but not reverse. I don't think it would be an issue but I would call just to make sure